Ice sparks key callout surge

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The freezing conditions at the end of the year caused "key-related" problems for thousands of motorists, new figures have shown.

More than 20,000 drivers called for help over various key-related problems last year, the survey revealed.

It added that the main reason for the key-related call-out was drivers locking their keys in the car, followed by jammed keys in locks, lost keys, keys broken or snapped and stolen keys, according to breakdown organisation Green Flag.

The firm's boss Dan Robinson said: "Locking keys in the car is not only frustrating, it can be dangerous too. Young children can often find themselves inside the car with parents or guardians looking in, hoping they don't nudge the handbrake or get hurt.

"After locking your keys in the car, the next most common key call-out is jammed keys in the ignition barrel or locks.

"December saw the highest volume of keys broken or snapped. It is important you don't force your key into the barrel if the lock is iced over or feels stiff."

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